It’s graduation season! All of us here at the Inlander want to express a heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 graduates. What you’ve just accomplished is a feat truly worth celebrating.
Looking back on my own graduation from Washington State University so many years ago, it was a bittersweet moment. A lot in my life was about to change in a very big way, which was exciting but also pretty scary at the time. I was about to part from a core group of friends, the excitement of campus life, and my identity as a full-time student — a 20-plus-year routine that many of us don’t realize is actually pretty dang good until it’s gone.
As students, we focus on learning as much as we can to prepare for careers after college. In and out of the classroom, lab or lecture hall, we also learn a lot about being better people. Yet there are so many things that college doesn’t necessarily prepare you for. With that in mind, we set out to put together this issue, offering more than 100 pieces of unsolicited but helpful advice from our editorial team, and leaders around the Spokane community.
From saving money on DIYs to improving your mental and physical health, making sure to not let those “little” life moments pass by unnoticed and much more, we hope to impart a little bit of wisdom that we wish someone had told us back when we were about to make such a big life transition.
You did it! Now go forth and change the world.
Money isn’t everything, so don’t let it get in the way of your goals. Pursue a career that makes you happy above all else. (COLTON RASANEN)
When looking for a job, choose one or maybe two nonnegotiables, whether it be salary, values, location, responsibilities, flexibility, benefits or something else. You’re probably going to have to sacrifice other priorities when you take a new job. (ELIZA BILLINGHAM)
You may be eager to leave the nest, but remember to still spend time with your family. It’s never guaranteed you’ll have time to connect later. (CHEY SCOTT)
Turn off most app notifications. Outside of texts and messaging apps, default to not allowing apps to send home screen notifications to your phone. It will save you the constant barrage of lighting up and buzzing for totally trivial nonsense. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
Take pictures of everything because sometimes mundane moments become the most special memories. (MADISON PEARSON)
Life advice from…
LISA BROWN, Mayor of Spokane
To young women: You can have it all, but you can’t always have it all at the same time. There are going to be trade-offs between what you put into your professional life and your personal life, but you do not have to sacrifice one for the other.
Your time is as important as your money. How you spend both reflects what you value.
Diversify your portfolio: not just with stocks and bonds, but with experiences and perspectives.
Cultivate physical activity and outdoor time as a daily occurrence — even if it’s a short walk or dancing while you do the dishes.
Less screen time and more live music = less anxiety and more happiness.
You can’t love someone else unless you love yourself. It’s OK to be single for a while to figure out who you are and what makes you awesome. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)
Invest in cookware and food containers that aren’t plastic. We still don’t know all the potential long-term effects of microplastics. (DORA SCOTT)
Playing video games is an expensive pastime, so ensure you’re going to actually spend time on a game or console before you buy it. Compare the cost to the hours you plan to play. Check this gamer math: If you spend 60 hours on a $60 game you’ve effectively paid $1 per hour for it. (CR)
Share your location with someone you trust when taking long trips or going to an unfamiliar area. That way someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency. (VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ)
Life advice from…
KARLI FAIRBANKS, Visual artist, singer-songwriter, muralist
Want to have a career in the arts? Develop a daily creative practice. No matter what art form you want to work in (music, visual, writing, dance, etc.), it will benefit your life deeply. Do something creative every day so that it just becomes a regular part of your routine and way of moving through life. All creative careers require fortitude and fluidity, and I believe a daily routine of expressing yourself is how you build that.
Learn to enjoy the process. Every part, project, and season of life has a beginning and ending. The middle part is the longest so it’s really nice when it becomes the part you look forward to the most.Eat plants! You don’t have to go hardcore vegan. Just try reorienting your approach to meals. How many plants can you include in one entree? Can you include a veggie in every meal? Don’t focus on cutting — focus on adding. Even moderate amounts of fiber and micronutrients are so good for you. (EB)
Keep a chore chart, even if you live alone. While you may not need help remembering to do the dishes or clean the bathroom, there are some cleaning tasks that can fall through the cracks. You should be washing your bedding and cleaning your floors on a weekly basis. Every few weeks you should deep clean your kitchen appliances — dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator — and dust your home. And more complicated tasks, like cleaning your dryer filter or oven should be done a few times each year. (CR)
When you first move into a rental, be sure to take photos and videos of the space, especially areas of previous damage. Also, save all communication with your property management or landlord, including receipts of rental payments. This evidence can help you get your deposit back when you move out. (DS)
Buy toilet paper in bulk! It’s cheaper and lets you check that essential off your shopping list for a long time. It’s better to have a lot of toilet paper than to run out. (VCM)
Strike up conversations with strangers. You might learn something new or gain a new connection or opportunity. (DS)
If you can figure out a way to enjoy the things you have to do — washing dishes, doing laundry, etc. — your entire life will be a lot more fun. (EB)
Life advice from…
KINGSTON PRESCOTT, DJ (KosMos the Afronaut), talent buyer/production manager at The Red Room, booking manager for TRVST
Go meet some people that are unlike you. Talk to them in person. Social media strips communication of its humanity. People are often more complex than you think.
Go somewhere you’ve never been. Do it often. Expanding your horizons has a MASSIVE effect on the way you see the world and how you relate to the people in it.
Don’t be afraid to do your own thing. Most people spend a lot of their younger years blending in in many ways, then end up in their 30s undoing all the garbage they learned from that time. Make your own way earlier, it will be what distinguishes you from anyone else.
Keep in mind, YOU WILL FAIL. A LOT. You’ll also learn what works and what doesn’t and start to hone your craft, your art, your work, your personality into who and what you truly want to be. Then you start winning.
STRETCH! Every time you work out, whether it’s playing a sport like tennis or basketball or just going for runs around town or at the gym, take five to 10 minutes at the end to just do some basic stretching. While young bodies recover quickly, old ones can stiffen up tremendously if you don’t take this easy wellness step. (SS)
Don’t suppress your emotions, you’ll only have to deal with them later when they’ve festered longer than necessary. If you’re sad, watch a heart-wrenching movie and let out all those tears. If you’re angry, find an empty space and let out the biggest scream you’ve got. (CR)
Other people don’t think about you that much. It’s pretty freeing. (EB)
Buy a small toolbox for easy at-home fixes and maintenance. At the bare minimum you should have an adjustable wrench, a hammer, both Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers, and a tape measure. (CR)
Listen to all those skincare experts and dermatologists saying you should wear sunscreen every day (at least on your face/neck). You won’t notice the cosmetic benefits until many years later, and hopefully you’ll also prevent skin cancer. Find a good facial moisturizer with SPF protection, and you’ll never have to think about it. (CS)
Life advice from …
KITTY KLITZKE, Spokane City Council member, District 3
Find your people. Even if you are an introvert, do not allow yourself to be isolated. If you struggle to be social, find an interest group or hobby where you can stay busy and make connections in a lower-stakes scenario. Everyone needs a few people to talk to and turn to in times of need. Whether you find them crocheting, arguing about movies, hiking or mountain biking, make sure you find them. And if they don’t work out, find others. There is someone out there who is just as interested in that thing as you are and also needs a friend.
You do not need a house or a car to get started in life, in fact they can hold you back from experiences and opportunities. Avoid status spending and economize — but have fun. Find as many ways as possible to economize on housing, transportation, subscriptions and electronics, and use it for experiences that cultivate your most positive interests. Travel and recreation that helps you learn and form connections with people, interest groups, cultures, history and natural systems is invaluable.
Learn to do things yourself. But you don’t have to do it by yourself. Take advantage of community groups, libraries, and other public or nonprofit programs that can give you the training and loan you the tools to get your apartment deposit back, fix your bike, alter your latest vintage haul to fit you perfectly, etc. If you can’t find something locally, there is a whole universe of YouTubers and interest groups on social media that would love to teach you for free.
Remember and use the power of your youth. Humbly making mistakes, receiving the help and guidance you ask for, taking risks, failing and trying again are your birthright. Showing up is 90% of the work. You are entitled to be given space to learn. You don’t have to perform for anyone.If you have a car, make sure to get your oil changed every six months (or sooner if you’re hitting those mileage intervals). Keeping up on routine car maintenance will help your vehicle last longer and hopefully prevent more serious (and expensive) issues down the road. (CS)
Do NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT flush ANYTHING except for toilet paper. Not tampons, not so-called flushable wipes, not medication, nothing but toilet paper should go down the toilet, no matter how new your place is. (SW)
Be patient. Careers are long. (EB)
If you have a “dream job,” ask people who work in that field how they got where they are. You can Google any number of questions about working in the field, but that on-the-ground experience is invaluable and may provide answers you weren’t expecting. (CR)
Life advice from…
JOSH LORENZEN, Owner of The Chameleon, chef-owner of RÜT Bar & Kitchen, musician
Really focus on building your community and your inner circle. Harbor quality, honest relationships that have open communication. What I’m realizing — as I get older and get more involved with business ventures — is that I’m not really capable of doing everything that I want to. My brain will bite off more than I can chew. And the best way to actually get things done and to feel OK in the process is to have people around you who are really in it to win it. You need to develop a core team that allows your capacity to expand. That takes emotional support. It takes brutal honesty and being open-minded about trying to help other people. It’s not that you can’t do it alone — I don’t want to discourage people who feel alone — but there’s so much potential value that can come from working as a team. Try to harbor those relationships, because they tend to yield greater results.
I think people underestimate how much being a “good person” can really get you far in life — just being honest, genuine and compassionate. There’s wins that can be had by service. Doing things for other people sounds corny, but the moments that I say, “You know what, I’m going to go out of my way to make sure that this relationship stays positive by communicating better” or “I’m going to lend a hand here” — they always pay back. And it’s not a one-for-one thing, like “if I do this for you, you’ll do that for me,” but the return on investment in building yourself — particularly in music and food — is very high. You can’t really make it anywhere without the people around you. Treat them with respect.
Car window smashed? Headlight burned out? YouTube tutorials, auto parts shops, salvage yards and friends have helped me keep costs low when my car’s been in need. Especially with basic fixes like replacing lightbulbs, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to do on your own. I’ve replaced a backseat window for a quarter of the cost quoted at a major window replacement company, replaced my radiator (OK, this one was tricky…), and even replaced my car stereo. (SW)
If you have any furry friends, invest in a good vacuum. You wouldn’t believe how much pet hair and dander can get trapped in a carpet in just a few days. Costco usually has great deals on cordless options, but you can find the right fit for you and your space just about anywhere. (CR)
Stay curious about the world around you. (CS)
Surround yourself with people who make you genuinely happy. Life is far too short to keep any Debbie Downers around. (MP)
Life advice from…
NOREEN HISKEY, Chef and co-owner of Indicana
You can plan and visualize your life and path all you want, but it’s the small opportunities you seize, the wild chances you take (often despite fear, uncertainty and unpreparedness) and the people you surround yourself with daily that truly shape your path.
Please, please, please wear deodorant when you go out! No one will fault you if you’re a sweaty mess after a night of dancing, but if you show up to the club smelling like a soggy armpit, it’ll negatively impact the experience of those around you. (CR)
Alcohol costs a lot — financially, physically and mentally. If you drink, make sure it’s actually what you want. (EB)
Read nonfiction books by experts who’ve spent untold hours researching and digging deep into a topic that interests you or that you know little about. You’ll always learn something new about the world. (CS)
For more serious doctor’s appointments or hospital visits, ask a loved one or friend to go with you. Sometimes it’s hard to remember all the details. It’s invaluable to have someone there to help remember information, advocate for your care, provide emotional support and ask important questions. (DS)
Life advice from…
KIMBERLEE MESSINA, Spokane Falls Community College president
The soon-to-be graduates are too young to appreciate the Rolling Stones, but “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need” is pretty wise.
It’s never too late to start something new. You will spend most of your life working, so choose something that brings you joy.
When it stops being fun, try something new! But also make sure you have a life that fulfills you outside of work. Don’t let your job be your identity.
Give yourself grace to make mistakes. As long as you learn from them, they are not really mistakes.
It’s OK to be sad. It sucks, but the only way out is through. (EB)
If going to therapy has crossed your mind, try it out! Sometimes taking that step to book an appointment or find a therapist can be hard, but if you find the right person it can be really helpful. (DS)
My dad always says if you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you look good. If you’re feeling down, putting just a little extra effort into picking a nice outfit, or wearing your hair differently for a day, can give you a huge boost of confidence. (SW)
Always exercise your right to vote. In primaries, on local tax or bond initiatives, in state and national legislative races, the presidential election — all of it. (CS)
Life advice from…
MARY STOVER, Youth suicide prevention specialist
So many of us feel like we have to know all of the answers when we are young adults. We don’t, no one does.
Things are about to get super real in your world. You have to know that it is acceptable to ask for help. When someone comes to you with a big personal problem — like suicidal thoughts — simply sitting with them, letting them know that they matter to you, and texting a crisis line together is a great start. [You can text or call the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.]
Mr. Rogers said that anything mentionable is manageable — he was talking about our feelings. Learning to recognize and control your feelings is a huge lesson for every adult. There are no wrong emotions, you just have to learn how to talk about them in a healthy manner. If something overwhelming is happening, don’t keep it to yourself. Your feelings matter, you’re worthy of love and belonging, and help is always available.
Be mindful of how you speak to yourself, no one wants to be insulted or discouraged all day, so talk to yourself like you’d talk to a good friend. Positive self talk helps maintain positive mental health — and positive mental health can change your life. Take such good care of you.Prioritize seeing the world, as much as you feasibly can. Yes, travel is crazy expensive, which means you may have to save for years to afford a dream trip, but it will be so worth it. Seeing how people live in cultures unlike ours will truly change your worldview, and you will make treasured memories along the way. (CS)
Businesses know how to make money better than you do. If a deal seems too good to be true, it is. There’s always a catch. If you think you’re gaming the system, you’re the one being had. (EB)
Life advice from…
KEVIN BROCKBANK, Spokane Colleges chancellor
Don’t worry about following a plan. Say “yes” to everything in the quest to collect a lifetime of stories.
Maintain separate email accounts. In the digital age I’ve found it very useful to at least have three email accounts: a work email, a private personal email (only given to people you know), and a public personal email (for signing up for email promotions, online shopping, etc.). It’s a way to keep the onslaught of spam in check. (SS)
EVERYONE is insecure. Some people just don’t show it the same way you do. (EB)
Don’t underestimate the value of a self-care day. Stay home and cozy up or recharge your batteries by treating yourself to something you love: a new book, movie marathon, spa treatment, shopping trip or favorite treat. (CS)
Life advice from…
JORGE GUERRERO, immigrant and environmental justice organizer with Latinos En Spokane
If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be to practice work/life balance. Don’t be in such a rush to chase money, we spend so much of our time at work, and we work for the majority of our lives. Rather, we should prioritize spending quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. Doing the stuff we enjoy and that are positive for us, like taking walks through nature or reading a good book or eating tacos or whatever you like. Breaking bread and actually talking to people is so important, without being on our gadgets all the time.Find hobbies that support your lifestyle goals. Want to exercise more? Do something both active and fun. It’s two birds with one stone. (DS)
Make friends and potentially meet your future life partner by getting involved with causes near and dear to you. Volunteer or join a local sports club — you’ll meet people with similar interests and values. (CS)
"All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." — Blaise Pascal (EB)
Always opt in to your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, and contribute up to the amount they’ll match. (It’s free money!) (CS)
Life advice from…
AARON JORDAN, owner of Roast House Coffee
I’ve been really inspired by this quote Deb said years ago and actually wrote on the walls of the roastery.
“I may not change the world… but I can try.” — Deborah Di Bernardo, Founder of Roast House Coffee, mentor, friend
We can try — by living a life rooted in values. That isn’t easy, but it is simple. By surrounding ourselves with people dedicated to making an impact, changing the world becomes achievable.
Ladies, find a gynecologist who listens to you. They are out there, I promise. Ask your friends for good recommendations. (EB)
Don’t stop pursuing a new hobby because you’re not immediately good at it. Practice makes perfect, and you never know when you could break through. (MP)
Go to things solo. As people’s lives progress, and they become more centered on work and starting up families, it can be much harder to pin down friends to accompany you to every concert, movie, or restaurant you want to try. Don’t bail on things you’re excited to experience just because you don’t have a partner in crime. (SS)
Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t go out alone because you’re a woman, either. It’s how I met all my best friends, because you’re open to talking to new people when you’re out on your own. (SW)
Try to be more mindful about shopping habits. Stop and think before making an “impulsive” purchase. For example, what do you already have in your closet? Could you save yourself some money and be more sustainably minded by shopping secondhand, or focusing on quality over quantity? Just because you can donate things doesn’t mean these items are actually being reused. (CS)
Life advice from…
PAM HALEY, Mayor of Spokane Valley
2025 Graduates, congratulations on this amazing achievement! As you enter a world full of opportunities, don’t hesitate to step outside of your comfort zone. Growth comes from challenging yourself and trying new things. Always remember your unique strengths that brought you here as you follow your passions and let them lead you toward your dreams. Spokane Valley is proud of you and excited to see the impact you will have on the world. Congratulations!Building habits takes small, sustainable steps. If you want to feel better, don’t make yourself feel worse. Plus, make sure your goals are your goals, not social media pressure creeping into your psyche. (EB)
Start building an emergency fund as soon as you can to make unexpected things like car or home repairs — or a major health event that could lead to you being unable to work — less scary and stressful. Figure out how much you’d need at the absolute minimum for food, housing and other essentials, and try to save three to six months’ worth of money to cover that. You can do this slowly over time, and it’s best to keep that money in a high-yield savings account. (CS)
Avoid in-app purchases, even the small ones. They add up quickly if you’re not careful. (CR)
Don’t get a pet unless you can actually afford it. Pets are expensive. Even the inexpensive ones can cost more than you expect — supplies, pet sitters, vet bills, specialized food. An unexpected medical emergency for a cat can be just as expensive as an unexpected trip to the human ER. You don’t want to have to give away your furry friend because you can’t pay to take care of them. (EB)
Life advice from…
JENNI MARTIN, Spokane Community College president
Master the moment. Master the work. In every job, take the opportunity to learn and grow. Every position has value, no matter where you find it.Use hospital systems’ financial assistance programs if you don’t make too much money. When you run into big unexpected medical bills, there are programs to ease this financial burden. Don’t be too prideful to use them. (SS)
Find a hairstylist you like and stick with them if you can. Your hair will thank you for the consistency. (CR)
Challenge yourself to learn (or keep learning) a new language — for real. There are so many tools at our disposal — lots are free or way more affordable than a college-level course — and these days, you can learn at your own pace. Find learning tools that are fun or interesting to stay on track. (CS)
Life advice from…
MARCUS RICCELLI, Washington state senator for Spokane’s 3rd District and Senate majority floor leader
Let it rip. Be adventurous in how you follow your interests, soak up life. Take any opportunity to travel that comes your way — it will only make you grow fonder of our region and this wonderful place we get to call home.
Make meaningful contact as often as you can with those you care about, telling them “I got you” when they need it most, or even when you think they might not need it. Make yourself uncomfortable, push yourself, and risk failure — it will only lead to growth.
Have difficult conversations every day, but rise in the grace you extend, even to those you disagree with. Take time to engage in your community; you are needed now more than ever.
Most importantly, never forget the power of play — play every day. Play is the fountain of youth, and it is infectious in making you and all those around you have fun and find joy in the time we have to walk this earth.
It’s easy to fall into the latest health fad. Do your research before buying products, looking carefully at the ingredients and seeking out trusted expert opinions. (DS)
Don’t make dating decisions out of fear. You should be with someone because you want to be with them, not because you’re afraid of being alone. (EB)
Engage and communicate with your local representatives and politicians! They want to hear from you and understand your concerns. Sometimes they can even help resolve issues through their connections within agencies. (VCM)
Go to the dentist! Tooth decay and gum disease is no joke. Even if you brush and floss twice a day, dental experts still recommend a checkup and cleaning every six months. (CR)
Prioritize people. They might just be colleagues, but don’t underestimate how much the people you work with will affect your entire life. Sometimes it’s better to prioritize the workplace over the actual job. (EB)
Life advice from …
KAREN MOBLEY, Local artist, writer and arts consultant
I am going to pass on a little list of things from my mom that I remember:
Afraid? Do it anyway. Even if you don’t know if something is going to work out, take chances.
You don’t have to marry him to go to the movies. By this she meant, don’t be afraid to get to know people different than you are. Date and have fun.
Write to your friends and family. Stay in touch. You might be living a long way away from people you know, but you don’t have to lose touch.
Make new friends. Try new things.
Always have “mad money.” Be sure you have enough money to get home if you go somewhere and the people you went with are unpleasant or you need to take care of an emergency. Nowadays, that means cash and two credit cards in case something goes wrong.
Get a calendar and use it. Plan your work, play and rest times. Look ahead and ask for what you need and be prepared for what people expect of you.
Try new foods, even things you thought you hated as a kid. Our tastes change over time, and you might be surprised. (CS)
Look to thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace when furnishing your home or apartment. Don’t feel rushed to have your place perfect as soon as you move in, take your time decorating it — your wallet will thank you later. (DS)
Niche interests make people, and job candidates, interesting. (EB)
Turn on two-step authorization for all your accounts – social media, emails, and financial accounts – and back up ALL your photos in multiple places. As someone who lost my Facebook to a hacker, and 10 years of photos along with it, try to protect yourself against a digital house fire. (SW)Life advice from …
MICHAEL CATHCART, Spokane City Council member, District 1
Civic engagement is more than just voting — and it shouldn’t be something you put off until you’re older or only do every four years. It’s a habit you build now, and importantly, one you pass on to your children. State and federal decisions shape our long-term future, but local choices shape our daily lives. So don’t just vote — engage in it, and talk about it. Teach your kids why it matters, and how to grow up thinking critically about the issues and candidates appearing on their ballots. Use your influence not just to build informed voters, but to raise the next generation of Spokane leaders.
Never let what you perceive as weaknesses define your limits. As an introvert, I was convinced my path would always keep me working behind the scenes. But over time, by continually stepping outside my comfort zone, I found that opportunities — like the role I’m grateful to play today — that once felt out of reach were entirely possible.
More than talent or work ethic alone, it’s relationships that steer you toward your greatest opportunities. Cultivating meaningful connections takes deliberate effort — a lesson I’m still learning — but each moment you invest not only builds trust and opens doors your résumé never could, it also creates space to grow, to learn and even to lift others along the way.The best exercise goal I’ve ever had: work out so that you want to work out again. This goes for both intensity and style. It took me a long time to figure out I hate exercise classes, love certain lifts, and like running sometimes. It’s different for everyone. But in my not-so-humble opinion, the absolute best workout is the one you’ll do again. (EB)
Always check a venue’s FAQ page before attending an event. It’ll save you from the walk of shame back to your car after you realize your handbag should’ve been clear. (CR)
Don’t cheap out on big purchases. When it comes to big, long-term purchases — ranging from beds to cars to TVs — it’s worth investing in quality items. (SS)Life advice from…
SHARMA SHIELDS, Local author
My own graduation from high school was very fraught, so my message to graduates is one of empathy. To all of you who may have made big or little mistakes, who may have lied to yourselves or to others, who may be moving through a world where love always feels uncertain, meted out, conditional, or maybe not there at all: I see you. I see you as I now see my younger self. And I want you to know you are never too young or too old to hold yourself accountable for your actions (and to note the difference between accountability and self-hatred), to begin advocating for yourself, to believe in yourself, to self-validate, to finally cultivate self-compassion. You deserve to have a growth mindset, you deserve autonomy from those who harm you, and you deserve to heal.
There is unconditional love waiting for you. Follow what brings you joy. Know you deserve healthy and loving relationships. Pick up a journal or a guitar or a paintbrush and record your thoughts and emotions; teach yourself however you can that you have a voice. And trust that the world is a big enough place that even though there is grief and sorrow and atrocity, there is peace and joy and love, too. Allow yourself to exist within it all with the understanding that you, like all living beings, deserve to be here. Despite what you may have sometimes been shown and told, the truth matters, authenticity and kindness matters, and so do you.
